KOTA KINABALU: The Health and People’s Wellbeing Ministry are committed in reducing the numbers of dengue cases that has been said to be increasing at a worrying level, said its Minister Datuk Stephen Wong (pic).

With 530 cases in just the first five weeks of 2019, Wong said it is a rate that should be controlled and given attention to as to prevent deaths.

He said although there have yet to be any dengue deaths, the Ministry along with other relevant departments should take action not only to tackle the issue but also in educating the public to work together.

“Sabah’s dengue cases are increasing and it has to be the highest in Malaysia. So I think the Health Department and various authorities concerned will look into that.

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“We will also educate the people on ways to control the situation,” he told reporters at the Health and People’s Wellbeing Ministry website launching, here, Thursday.

Wong said the Ministry has been resiliently carrying out community cleaning and fogging to control the current situation in Sandakan.

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“In Sandakan we have a special fogging team to carry out the work in areas that have high potential of a dengue epidemic.

“Even the district Health Officers are going down to the field to carry out the work personally.

“We are doing various initiatives and, hopefully, the rate will go down,” he said.

Earlier, Wong launched the ministry’s new website, www.kkr.sabah.gov.my which is aimed at providing latest information from the ministry as well as archive materials for public reference.

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He said the website also acts as a bridge between the ministry and public where information and comments can be channelled to better improve the ministry as well as relevant departments. - Jeremy S Zabala